What are the Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea? This Soothing Herb Can Help You Sleep & Has Other Surprising Health Benefits
Chamomile (or camomile) is a flowering plant belonging in the daisy family. It is native to Asia and eastern Europe and has been used medicinally by the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians for centuries.
In the Greek language, chamaimelon means “earth-apple” (chamai = “on the ground” and melon = “apple”), referring to its low growing and creeping habit and its refreshing apple-like scent.
Health Benefits
Besides being fragrant and relaxing, chamomile has plenty of health benefits and has been used to treat a variety of conditions for years.
Sleep
Throughout the ages, chamomile has been used as an effective sleep aid. It relaxes the nerves and helps reduce stress. Drink one cup of tea thirty minutes before going to bed.
Migraines
Chamomile tea is a wonderful herbal remedy used to treat migraines. For best results, drink a cup as soon as you notice one coming on. Results are more effective if taken before the headache gets too bad.
Immune System
Boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation are some other benefits. It can help fight colds and (if used externally) heal wounds and treat skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
Intestinal Problems
A warm, soothing cup of chamomile tea can help relieve excessive flatulence and reduce stomach pain and cramping. It is used for conditions such as nausea, the stomach flu, gastroenteritis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Diabetes
Recently, research has shown chamomile to be effective in fighting diabetes. In one study[1], after 21 days, diabetic rats that received chamomile extract had significantly lower blood glucose levels than rats who did not.
Drinking chamomile tea everyday with meals may help prevent complications associated with diabetes such as kidney damage, loss of vision, and nerve damage.
Some other reported benefits include relieving muscle spasms, back pain, and menstrual cramps.
How to Prepare
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers (or 1 tablespoon of fresh flowers), cover, steep for 10 minutes, and strain.
To enjoy the benefits of chamomile tea even more, add some honey or freshly squeezed lemon juice.
References
[1] Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2008; 56 (17)
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